Defibrillators for the Madison Senior Center

Posted Wednesday November 28, 2012 by admin

The Madison Senior Center is now equipped with two automated external defibrillators thanks to a donation from The Madison Foundation. Joe Petrella, senior services supervisor at the center, talked recently about their importance and how they operate. As the point person for the devices, also known as AEDs, he will oversee the training of key individuals on their use and ensure that everyone using the center is aware of their location and availability.

Petrella emphasized, however, that a defibrillator can be used successfully by anyone, trained or untrained, to provide treatment for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Although the units will be mounted, one on each floor, they are portable devices that can be used throughout the building. They are user-friendly, he explained, so that they essentially guide the operator through the operating process. He added that with these units everyone holds the key to saving a life.

When the Senior Center appealed for help in securing these critical devices, the Madison Foundation responded immediately.

“A heart attack can occur at any age, but we know the risk increases with age. We wanted to make sure the defibrillators were available at the new center so they could save lives in an emergency,” said Dave Allen, board member of The Madison Foundation and its president at the time of the request.

Allen noted that this grant embodies what the Madison Foundation represents, as the grant was made possible by a contribution from Jack Davis, a longtime Madison resident.

“We continuously strive to put your gifts to work in Madison,” said Allen. He further noted that the grant was made in the name of former Foundation president and board member Dick Benson.

Madison seniors and others using the center now have this important protection in place for them, albeit with the hope the need never arises. To learn more about The Madison Foundation and the work it does in the community, visit www.madisonfoundation.org.